Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and composition for cleaning and inhibiting solid, bitumin tar, and viscous fluid deposition in well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of a miscible terpene in the well fluid. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning and inhibiting deposits in and on well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of d-limonene into the well fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: The deposition of asphaltenes and/or petroleum waxes can be inhibited and/or asphaltenes and/or petroleum waxes can be removed from a well, pipe or vessel by contacting the asphaltene and/or petroleum wax or the well pipe or vessel adjacent a location where deposition of asphaltene and/or petroleum wax is expected, with a solvent including at least one compound of the formula (I): R1—(AO)n—OOC—(CH2)m—Ph—(R2)p where R1 is a C1 to C20 hydrocarbyl group; AO is an alkyleneoxy group and may vary along the (poly)alkyleneoxy chain; n is 1 or from 1 to 100; m is 0, 1 or 2; and Ph is a phenyl group, which may be substituted with groups (R2)p where each R2 is independently a C1 to C4 alkyl or alkoxy group; and p is 0, 1 or 2, and subsequently removing the solvent with softened, dissolved or dipersed asphaltenes and/or petroleum waxes from the well, pipe or vessel.

Abstract: A down hole heating system for use with oil and gas wells which exhibit less than optimally achievable flow rates because of high oil viscosity and/or blockage by paraffin (or similar meltable petroleum byproducts). The heating unit the present invention includes shielding to prevent physical damage and shortages to electrical connections within the heating unit while down hole (a previously unrecognized source of system failures in prior art systems). The over-all heating system also includes heat retaining components to focus and contain heat in the production zone to promote flow to, and not just within, the production tubing.

Abstract: An oil well capsule to reduce the paraffin and asphaltene which accumulate on the walls of the pipes which are used to bring the oil up from underground deposits, and a method of using said oil well capsule. An oil well capsule having a shell encapsulating a chemically active mass wherein said chemically active mass consists essentially of alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A well treatment tool is installed along the sucker rod string of a well, within the surrounding production tube string. The tool provides for the distribution of a treatment fluid (solvent, etc.) within the fluid being pumped or flowing from the well. The tool receives treatment fluid through the hollow sucker rod string, and distributes the fluid through a valve which is set at a predetermined pressure. When the treatment fluid pumped down the sucker rod string from the surface exceeds the predetermined opening pressure of the valve, the treatment fluid is distributed into the production tube string through one or more passages in the tool. The present tool may be used simultaneously with well production, with fluid (oil, etc.) rising up the production tube string, carrying the treatment fluid therewith. The treatment fluid is thus distributed throughout the local fluid processing system, including pipelines from the well, any initial treatment operations, and any storage tanks.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and composition for cleaning and inhibiting solid, bitumin tar, and viscous fluid deposition in well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of a miscible terpene in the well fluid. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning and inhibiting deposits in and on well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of d-limonene into the well fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing paraffin and asphaltene deposits in a pumping oil well including a polish rod having a portion extending outwardly of the earth and having a portion extending into an oil string tubing, a sucker rod string interconnected to the polish rod and extending through the oil string casing into the earth, and an insulating rod interconnected to a lower end of the polish rod and interconnected to an upper end of the sucker rod string. The insulating rod is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.0167 to 0.06 BTU/(sq. ft.)(hr)(deg.F)(ft). The insulating rod is formed of a body of fiberglass material, an upper connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material, and a lower connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material.

Abstract: The improved recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations by hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation is accomplished. Fracturing fluids using a viscosifying surfactant fluid containing viscosifying micelles, for example, wormlike micelles, are useful to improve recovery of hydrocarbons and limit the loss of fracturing fluid into the formation fracture face. The invention further relates to novel fracturing and acidizing methods useful for increasing hydrocarbon production, limiting water production, resisting fracturing fluid loss into the subterranean formation, and reducing the equipment requirements in mixing and pumping fracturing fluid. The action of viscosifying micelles of surfactant in aqueous zones of the subterranean formation diverts fracturing fluid or acid from the aqueous zones to the hydrocarbon-bearing zones and also facilitates the flowback of increased amounts of hydrocarbons once a fractured well is placed back on production.

Abstract: A method for chemically removing hydrocarbons from oil contaminated material is described. The method comprises contacting the material containing the oil with a combinations of surfactants in an oil carrier similar to or identical to the oil to be removed. This process avoids the use of water. Therefore the process does not compromise the quality of the oil by having water as a contaminant and thus eliminating the possibility of oil contaminated water getting into the environment. In certain examples, when the process is used to remove oil from land based well bore cuttings, the processed well bore cuttings contain high levels of chlorides, which is an environmental problem. In such examples the method also includes contacting the well bore cuttings with a solution of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate in water to reduce the chloride concentration. An apparatus designed for this purpose is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing paraffin and asphaltene deposits in a pumping oil well including a polish rod having a portion extending outwardly of the earth and having a portion extending into an oil string tubing, a sucker rod string interconnected to the polish rod and extending through the oil string casing into the earth, and an insulating rod interconnected to a lower end of the polish rod and interconnected to an upper end of the sucker rod string. The insulating rod is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.0167 to 0.06 BTU/(sq.ft.)(hr)(deg.F)(ft). The insulating rod is formed of a body of fiberglass material, an upper connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material, and a lower connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting material in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, the material is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. A heating tool is lowered into position and provides the necessary heat to melt the material. The heating tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the elimination of gas or paraffin hydrate deposits that form in well drilling equipment or hydrocarbon production and transportation equipment through the use of a reactant that is likely to decompose at high temperatures.

Abstract: A microemulsion comprising, (i) an oil phase, (ii) an aqueous phase comprising an aqueous solution of a water soluble oil field or gas field production chemical or an aqueous dispersion of a water dispersible oil field or gas field production chemical and (iii) at least one surfactant, wherein the aqueous phase is distributed in the oil phase in the form of droplets having a diameter in the range 1 to 1000 mn or in the form of microdomains having at least one dimension of length, breath or thickness in the range 1 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: An improved method for transport of particulate matter in a wellbore fluid, and particularly the transport of particulate matter in subterranean wells, such as hydrocarbon wells, is disclosed, the method being characterized by utilization of specified fibers to aid in transport of the particulate matter. Additional embodiments include the removal of particulate matter (particles) and particle deposits, such as from drill cuttings, during the drilling of wells, and the removal of particulate matter deposits in cleanout operations.

Abstract: A subsea subterranean well completion has a tubing string with a portion that extends through a region of the completion exposed to temperatures sufficiently low to potentially create wax and/or hydrate deposits within the tubing string during pre-production or shut-down periods. In order to inhibit or remove the formation of these deposits, the well completion is provided with a flow assurance system operative to create a flow of heating fluid which is recirculated through the space between the tubing string portion and the well casing/production riser structure in a manner causing the heating fluid to flow along the outer side of the tubing string portion without previously or subsequently traversing the interior of the tubing string. The heat absorbed by the tubing string inhibits or removes wax and/or hydrate formation in production fluid therein without the previous necessity of using a chemical injection system to inject plug-inhibiting chemicals into the interior of the tubing string.

Abstract: A method of taking the energy from the radiator water, exhaust gas system, and/or the mechanical work from the drive shaft of a thermal module and transferring it to a fluid from a tank for the purpose of heating the fluid in the tank, and scavenging the additional energy from the radiator water, exhaust gas system, and/or mechanical work from the drive shaft of a separate system to supplement the energy from the thermal module for the purpose of greater heating the fluid from the tank.

Abstract: An acidizing composition and a method of acidizing a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation in the presence of ferric ions are provided. The acidizing composition includes a strong mineral acid solution, an electron donor agent, a primary electron transfer agent and a secondary electron transfer agent. The primary electron transfer agent is a source of rhenium ions. The secondary electron transfer agent is a source of iodide ion or iodine. The electron donor agent and primary and secondary electron transfer agents function together to reduce ferric ion present in the mineral acid solution to ferrous ion which in turn prevents ferric hydroxide and/or free sulfur from precipitating out of the solution and reduces the formation of sludge in crude oil in the formation. The particular electron transfer agents used in connection with the invention function with virtually all known electron donor agents.

Abstract: A method of precipitating or depositing material within an underground reservoir which comprises introducing into the reservoir in aqueous solution (i) an isolated enzyme and (ii) a substrate for the enzyme, such that the action of the enzyme on the substrate leads to the precipitation or deposition of material within the underground reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which alkane-utilizing bacteria are used to reduce fouling of injection and recovery wells. Fouling materials such as combinations of bacteria and metal oxides that would otherwise clog the wells are prevented from depositing on the wells. In a preferred embodiment, a butane substrate and an oxygen-containing gas are injected near a well inlet or outlet to stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria which are effective at reducing or eliminating fouling of the well.

Abstract: Coatings for well screens that protect the screens from damage as they are inserted into the wellbore and once in the well, release reactive materials to react with and degrade potentially plugging materials such as drill solids, fluid filtercakes, fluid loss additives, and drilling fluids. The coatings can be specifically designed for individual well conditions and are comprised of a binder that either melts or dissolves within the wellbore and one or more reactive materials such as acids, enzymes, surfactants, chelants, oxidizers or free radical generators and the like which are released into the screen and the near wellbore area and which are effective in degrading or dissolving materials which could potentially plug the screen.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for melting metal in the annulus of an oil or gas well and thereby sealing the annulus to prevent shallow gas leakage and the like. Conveniently, eutectic metal is positioned within the annulus between the production and surface casing of the well and above the well cement. An electrical inductive tool is lowered into position and used to provide the necessary heat to melt the metal. The electrical inductive tool may be removed following the sealing of the annulus. Radioactive tracers may be used with the eutectic metal to confirm the desired location for the melt to occur.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for dissolving adherent petroleum residues which occur in the production and processing of petroleum in which esters of the following formula are employed: R1—COO—(CnH2nO)x—R2  (I) which R1 is an alkyl group containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms or a (CH2)m—COOR4 group, R2 and R4 independently of one another represent an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms, n is the number 2 or 3 and m is a number of 1 to 6 and x is 0 or a number of 1 to 12.

Abstract: A method of heating gas being produced in a well reduces condensate occurring in the well. A cable assembly having at least one insulated conductor is deployed into the well while the well is still live. Electrical power is applied to the conductor to cause heat to be generated. Gas is allowed up past the cable assembly and out the wellhead. The heat retards condensation, which creates frictional losses in the gas flow.

Abstract: A method of retarding sand build up in heavy oil wells involving a first step of providing a pumping apparatus with subterranean impellers coupled to a rotary top drive unit by a plurality of connective rods. The plurality of connective rods have fixed outwardly extending vanes that rotate with the plurality of connective rods and are configured to provide a supplementary lifting force. A second step involves positioning the plurality of connective rods in a heavy oil well having a circumferential sidewall. A third step involves activating the rotary drive unit to rotate the plurality of connective rods. The vanes attached to the connective rods assist in lifting sand to surface with the heavy oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging stuck tools downhole, which includes a tool body; a mandrel moveable within the tool body; a spring member for allowing the mandrel to move with jarring force within the tool body when actuated; actuating fluid allowing the mandrel to travel a portion of the distance in a controlled manner, and at a predetermined point, accelerate its travel to provide a jarring force against the tool body; wherein the actuating fluid includes a first and second volumes of fluid through which a portion of the mandrel travels; the first volume providing controlled travel, and the second volume allowing accelerated travel of the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention is the method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing the solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying the encased solids, liquids, or gases to the predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polymers such as collagen, a crosslinking agent such as zolidine, optionally a hydrophobic compound such as a processed oil, and water used in processing. Other modifying or conditioning compounds, for example glycerin and other polymeric additives, may be incorporated to extend the strength or temperature range of the shell. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where the solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which alkane-utilizing bacteria are used to reduce fouling of injection and recovery wells. Fouling materials such as combinations of bacteria and metal oxides that would otherwise clog the wells are prevented from depositing on the wells. In a preferred embodiment, a butane substrate and an oxygen-containing gas are injected near a well inlet or outlet to stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria which are effective at reducing or eliminating fouling of the well.

Abstract: A process for restoring the injectivity or productivity of a well penetrating a subterranean formation by injecting a micelle treating fluid into the subterranean formation via the well with the micelle treating fluid containing a 2% potassium chloride water solution and a mutual solvent containing alcohol, aromatic hydrocarbon and an alkyl or alkylaryl polyoxyalkylene phosphate ester surfactant, thereafter displacing the micelle treating fluid into the formation by injecting a gas into the well and contacting accumulated asphaltene precipitate and a low-gravity, high-viscosity, asphaltene-based crude in the subterranean formation with the micelle treating fluid to disperse the accumulation of asphaltene and to reduce the viscosity of the low-gravity, high-viscosity, asphaltene-based crude.

Abstract: Improved metal corrosion inhibitors, acid compositions containing the inhibitors and methods of using the acid compositions are provided by the present invention. The metal corrosion inhibitors are basically comprised of one or more acetylenic alcohols and hexamethylenetetramine.

Abstract: A composition is provided herein for preventing or retarding the formation of gas hydrates or for reducing the tendency of gas hydrates to agglomerate, during the transport of a fluid comprising water and a hydrocarbon, through a conduit. The composition is a homopolymer of vinyl caprolactam having the low molecular weight in the range of 500 to 2500, or copolymers or terpolymers thereof, and a polyoxyalkylenediamine or a polyoxyarylenediamine. Such homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers, preferably are made and applied in the defined solvent, which, most preferably, is a glycol ether such as 2-butoxyethanol.

Abstract: The use of high flash point, low vapor pressure compositions for injection into, and coating of, gas and oil wells and surrounding underground hydrocarbon bearing formations and processing equipment for the purpose of removing scale, paraffins, tars, and other viscous constituents. Treatment results in increased flow of gas and/or oil and decreased adhesion of soils and scale in all aspects of oil and gas recovery, including hydrocarbon bearing formations, casings, lines, and pumping equipment. The composition contains about 40 to 99 wt. % of a fatty acid alkyl ester blend and about 1 to 25 wt. % of at least one lower alkyl glycol ether.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the effectiveness of production chemicals by reducing the number of squeezing and shut-in operations needed to increase the production rate from an oil well. The process includes injecting into an oil-bearing rock formation matrix a water-miscible formulation comprising: (a) a water-miscible surfactant which is an alkyltriglycol ether and (b) at least one water-miscible oil field or gas field production chemical. Components (a) and (b) are introduced either as a pre-formed, single, homogeneous composition, or simultaneously in parallel or sequentially in either order into the rock formation. After introduction of (a) and (b) into the oil-bearing rock formation, the well is shut-in for a period and, subsequently, the oil-bearing rock formation matrix is over-flushed with an oil.

Abstract: A method of reducing the deposition of wax from a crude oil containing wax which comprises adding thereto at least one N-substituted polyalkylene imine which has at least one organic substituent that is a hydroxy-substituted alkyl group of 12-24 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a wellbore plugged with deposits of heavy hydrocarbons and finely-divided inorganic solids by circulating a surfactant composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol through the wellbore with a coiled tubing.

Abstract: An aqueous external dispersion comprising a wax dispersant and an organic crystal modifier composition dispersed through a continuous water phase is useful as a crystal modifier for petroleum or a petroleum-derived liquid. The dispersant comprises a non-ionic surfactant and is present in the dispersion in an amount sufficient to impart at least meta-stability to the dispersion. The dispersion has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of less than about 50,000 centipoise.

Abstract: A wax and asphaltene solvation fluid for use in oil and gas wells is derived as a residual fluid from a feedstock that includes a greater mass percentage of trimethylbenzene than decane, and is preferably sour. Mass percentage of both aromatics and asphaltenes in the residual fluid is in the 30%-70% range, and a complex mixture of both is described.

Abstract: A method of removing paraffin from a wellbore at a well site having production tanks includes the following steps of heating a scraper to at least about the melting temperature of paraffin; lowering the scraper into a wellbore and below a paraffin accumulation; pulling the scraper and paraffin upward into a lubricator means above a production tree; and using hot fluid and by manipulating valves, causing the paraffin to move from the lubricator means into a tank.

Abstract: An aqueous displacement fluid composition is used as a spacer fluid composition to change one type of drilling mud for another type of drilling mud or in cementing operations downhole, to clean downhole hardware in wellbores. The method comprises introducing into a wellbore an aqueous displacement fluid composition, such as a spacer fluid, to displace downhole wellbore fluids, having an improved rate of emulsification and a high capacity for emulsifying hydrocarbons, and aqueous fluid compositions. The aqueous displacement fluid composition introduced into wellbores contain mixtures of:a) water;b) a polyoxyalkylene monool surfactant represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbyl group, R.sub.2 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl group, and the weight average of w+x is at least about 5; andc) a polyoxyalkylene monool surfactant represented by the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbyl group, R.sub.2 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing deposits of heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials and finely divided inorganic particulate matter from wellbore and flowline surfaces using a composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol.

Abstract: A composition for and an improved process of, enhancing petroleum recovery from a petroleum reservoir by injecting said composition into the reservoir through a wellbore are provided. The aqueous composition is derived from a concentrate which includes a defoaming agent, a demulsifying agent, and optionally a stabilizing agent suitable for stabilizing the concentrate as an aqueous emulsion. In one embodiment, the defoaming agent is dispersed in carrier solvent and the concentrate further includes an emulsifying agent suitable for emulsifying the carrier solvent in water. The composition is preferably injected at a high pumping rate directly into the formation through the tubing-casing annulus and allowed to permeate into the reservoir surrounding the wellbore before oil production commences. The composition and method are particularly suited for used in conjunction with steam injection oil recovery techniques.

Abstract: A well treatment tool is installed along the sucker rod string of a well, within the surrounding production tube string. The tool provides for the distribution of a treatment fluid (solvent, etc.) within the fluid being pumped or flowing from the well. The tool receives treatment fluid through the hollow sucker rod string, and distributes the fluid through a valve which is set at a predetermined pressure. When the treatment fluid pumped down the sucker rod string from the surface exceeds the predetermined opening pressure of the valve, the treatment fluid is distributed into the production tube string through one or more passages in the tool. The present tool may be used simultaneously with well production, with fluid (oil, etc.) rising up the production tube string, carrying the treatment fluid therewith. The treatment fluid is thus distributed throughout the local fluid processing system, including pipelines from the well, any initial treatment operations, and any storage tanks.

Abstract: A wax and asphaltene solvation fluid for use in oil and gas wells is derived as a residual fluid from a feedstock that includes a greater mass percentage of trimethylbenzene than decane, and is preferably sour. Mass percentage of both aromatics and asphaltenes in the residual fluid is in the 30%-70% range, and a complex mixture of both is described.

Abstract: Corrosion, scale-formation, or other deleterious processes are inhibited in an oil well by installing within the oil well (10) fluid-permeable elements, such as tubular filters (20), which comprises a suppressing material. Each filter (20) comprises two tubular filter screens (24) between which is a bed (26) of particles comprising suitable inhibitor material. The particles might for example be porous ceramic spheres impregnated with the inhibitor material. The inhibitor material gradually dissolves in the well fluids during operation, and may for example inhibit corrosion and/or scale formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the effectiveness of cleaning up wells in a subterranean formation. The treatment is made more effective by first treating the well with a clean-up fluid that enzymatically degrades residual polymeric viscosifiers followed by removing solids contained in drill-in fluids.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing deposits of heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials and finely divided drilling fluid solids from a wellbore using a composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol by injecting the composition into the wellbore, maintaining the composition in the wellbore for a selected time and thereafter producing the composition from the wellbore.

Abstract: An aqueous external dispersion comprising a wax dispersant and an organic crystal modifier composition dispersed through a continuous water phase is useful as a crystal modifier for petroleum or a petroleum-derived liquid. The dispersant comprises a non-ionic surfactant and is present in the dispersion in an amount sufficient to impart at least meta-stability to the dispersion. The dispersion has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of less than about 50,000 centipoise.

Abstract: A wax and asphaltene solvation fluid for use in oil and gas wells is derived as a residual fluid from a feedstock that includes a greater mass percentage of trimethylbenzene than decane, and is preferably sour. Mass percentage of both aromatics and asphaltenes in the residual fluid is in the 30%-70% range, and a complex mixture of both is described.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing oil and gas recovery include connecting an oil and gas flow enhancing stick to a weighted plunger to speed the decent of the stick to the bottom of a well, which optionally includes a retrieving member to retrieve the plunger from the well.

Abstract: A method for controlling the formation of gas hydrate crystals in a fluid mixture by admixing with said fluid mixture a polyoxyalkylenediamine in an amount effective to prevent and/or inhibit crystal growth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed including first and second housing halves which are welded together to attach the apparatus to a pup joint installed in an oil casing. The housing includes a cylindrical portion and first and second frustoconical portions at opposite axial ends thereof. Axially extending L-shaped spacers are secured to the inside portion and include longitudinal edges which abut with the outer surface of the pipe. Series of axially spaced, first and right parallelepiped shaped magnets are sandwiched between the inside portion of the cylindrical portion and the outer surface of the pipe, with the poles of the first and magnets being reversed relative to the pipe. The housing halves are welded along their longitudinal free edges after being clamped together by a clamping band with sufficient force to secure the apparatus to the pipe generally by frictional forces and being free of the attachment to the pipe.